Cabbie robbery suspect pleads not guilty to several thefts

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The suspect in a series of robberies on taxi drivers in San Francisco – including several at the same Western Addition intersection – pleaded not guilty to two counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery on Thursday.

Woodrow Blake, 48, of San Francisco, was arrested last week after police issued warnings to cabbies citywide about a possible serial robber. Surveillance footage taken from inside a cab during one of the heists captured the crook, but the suspect in the image wore the hood so low that only his mouth showed. The image was also circulated among The City’s drivers.

At least four robberies occurred at the intersection of Beideman and O’Farrell streets in the Western Addition, an area Blake is “very familiar with,” police spokesman Lt. Troy Dangerfield has said. Blake may live in the neighborhood.

Blake’s next court date is Oct. 19. He remains in custody on $750,000 bail.